86/365 - Phalaenopsis

My orchid finally has the tiniest of buds appearing on its weathered stem. It has always been such a sensitive little plant, which is typical of orchids, and it's been over a year since it last sent up its delicate blossoms. I've been tending to it faithfully in hopes it will flower again.

This plant used to bloom a couple times a year. Oddly enough, it was always right around the time I was starting a new relationship, and, as silly as it sounds, I always interpreted my orchid blooming as a good omen - but then the blooms ended up fading as quickly as the relationship in each and every case. The last time my orchid bloomed, one of my cats knocked it off the table, broke the pot, killed the blossoms immediately, and even the plant itself was in danger of keeling over. I swear to you the relationship I was in at the time ended just as tumultuously not long afterward.

I realize it's absurd to suggest that the life of my orchid is analogous to my love life, but I do think it's a bit serendipitous that now, with its roots exposed and leaves a bit battered, my orchid is getting ready to bloom again. Before sending up it's shoots right at the beginning of a relationship this time, though, it seems to have waited for a measure of trust and commitment to develop first.

Perhaps that's the best omen of all.